Having a good quality roof is the best way to protect your family from the outside world, and it’s also a key component in home value. So when you’re ready for roof replacement or repair, there are many things to consider first. And when you think about your roof, there are a lot of decisions to make. Roof replacement and repair are two very different things. Roof replacement is often considered of as an all-or-nothing proposition. In some cases, this can be true, but it’s not so simple in many others.
Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair
If you have a roof leak or other damage, then it may be time to get the repair work done. Roof repairs are needed when an area of your roof is damaged by wind, hail, fire, or any number of possible causes. There are times during which this type of problem can be remedied with a new shingle or tarp. In other instances, such as damage caused by water infiltration, the roof may need to be entirely replaced. A Roof Repair would be recommended if your roof needs some minor repairs but does not need to be replaced entirely. A contractor will come out and assess the damage, then make a recommendation on whether it is necessary for you to have the entire roof repaired or just certain parts that are in worse condition. The cost of this type of service varies depending on the severity of the damage, such as if you are missing shingles or have large areas that need to be replaced. If there is a small area in your roof, then Roof Replacement might not be necessary, and it may just require some minor tarp work.
If your roof has been damaged by wind, hail, fire, or any number of possible causes and does not qualify for a tarp installation because it needs to be replaced fully, then Roof Replacement would be the recommended option. The cost will vary depending on the type of shingle chosen, roofing material used for insulation, and deck boards. Roof Replacement is usually more expensive than a repair, but it could be worth saving money in other areas if you need to have your entire roof replaced.
Things to Consider for Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement
When replacing your roofing system, the cost of materials is only one consideration; other factors include installation labor, design features, and building permits.
Roof Age
Are you aware of how old your roof is? The roof is one of the most critical parts of a home. As roofs age, they can develop leaks that will cause damage elsewhere in the house; water may run down walls, seep into insulation, or saturate floors below. If it starts to leak or begins to show signs that there may be some issues in the near future with any part of the roofing system, you should have it replaced as soon as possible and not try and do bare-bones repairs just because they are less expensive than the whole. A simple solution is to have your contractor inspect your roof and go over all the possible options.
Extent of Roof Damage
When deciding to either get a roof repair or roof replacement, you need to determine the extent of the damage. Roof repairs are more expensive than roof replacements because they usually involve removing damaged materials and replacing them with new ones. The cost is also impacted by how much work needs to be done on your roof, which will depend on where there was a leak or other problem; if you’re lost only shingles, for example, then your roof repairs will cost less than if you need a whole new layer of shingles.
In the case of roof damage due to a storm, you may want to get a roof repair instead of a replacement to avoid having the added expense of replacing gutters, downspouts, and other exterior features. If your damage is confined only to shingles or an individual area on the roof, then there’s no need for a complete replacement even if it needs repair; just have the area replaced.
Frame and Structure
The frame and structure of your house is also an important consideration when getting either a roof repair or replacement because it can affect the overall life expectancy of whatever solution you choose. You may want to have professionals walk over the frame and structure with you to determine what will work best for your home.
Your roof’s structure will have a significant impact on the type of roof that you choose. If your house has a flat roof, then it’s important to note that any repairs or replacements will be more costly than on roofs with steep pitches because there are few places where shingles can overlap without being visible from ground level. This is one reason why many people opt for a replacement rather than a repair.
If your house has a steeply pitched roof, you may need to replace it with another type of roofing solution when repairing or replacing the shingle material on top. Tiles and slate are common choices for this style of the roof because they can help disguise any repairs made from ground level, which is where most onlookers will be.
Final Thought
Sometimes it’s not as easy as just getting a roof replacement because, in some cases, there may be underlying damage that needs to be addressed first before any long-term solution is considered. A professional should help assess the situation and advise on the best course of action for your needs.
The cost of replacement is often higher than the cost of repair, and this can have a big impact on your decision-making process if you’re trying to make an educated decision about what option is best for you. The more complicated or extensive work that needs to be done will also factor into the final price tag and should be taken into consideration before making your final decision.
Even if you can’t afford a whole roof replacement, a repair is still an option that might be worth considering. Roof repairs are often less expensive than replacements, and they’ll help keep moisture from seeping in through any potential holes or cracks on the surface of the materials beneath the shingles.
